On top of that, Mr. Walt Disney knew how to create dreams. His efforts immerse every visitor in a fairytale castle, even if just for a moment. This effort is reflected in the attractions, the characters roaming the park, and every single park worker who deserves full marks.
As I’ve mentioned before, there are currently six Disneylands worldwide. Besides Disneyland in California, Orlando, Paris, and Japan, the closest ones to us are Shanghai Disney and Hong Kong Disney. Recently, Hong Kong is quite the hot spot, offering airline tickets and vouchers. It’s the perfect time for a vacation. (BTW, the ticket offer will be available in April, with both Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines offering various routes and spots. It’s all about speed, so act fast.)
Hong Kong is not only a shopping paradise but also a convenient overseas trip spot for families. As the fifth Disneyland in the world and the second in Asia, Hong Kong Disneyland is definitely worthy of multiple visits.
Just like our company’s Sister Wang (an annual pass holder of Shanghai Disneyland and a deep Disney aficionado), she’s planning another visit to Hong Kong Disney now that borders are open. After all, this year marks Disney’s 100th anniversary, and Hong Kong Disney has special events lined up (e.g., Duffy’s new spring experiences from March to June; Avengers activities in May and June).
Hong Kong Disneyland is quite far from the city center, so a round trip in one day is unrealistic. Moreover, it would be too exhausting for kids. Staying nearby for a night is a wise choice.
The resort area has three hotels to choose from: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge, and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.
Each hotel has a unique style. The Disneyland Hotel and the Hollywood Hotel opened in 2005 alongside the park.
The Disneyland Hotel is purely European, luxurious both inside and out, resembling a castle. The Hollywood Hotel, though American-themed and four-star, has not been operational lately. Check the official website for updated operating times.
Disney Explorers Lodge, themed around the four continents, offers a tropical adventure style that adventure lovers will enjoy.
All three hotels provide complimentary shuttle services to and from Disneyland (Disneyland Station), making transportation extremely convenient.
Besides Disneyland itself, the resort area features Inspiration Lake and the Disney Pier, both great places for photos and hangouts with friends.
I watched a stunning seaside sunset near the Disneyland Hotel. If you’re an early riser, a morning stroll here is also delightful.
This time, I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel because they unveiled new LinaBell-themed rooms, which are simply irresistible for LinaBell fans.
Everything, from the bed linens to the stuffed LinaBell toys, features the LinaBell theme. Most importantly, these items can be taken home (previously, they were so popular at Shanghai Disney that you had to queue to buy them).
To be honest, those two days all I could see and dream about was LinaBell; it was truly a highlight of my fangirling journey.
Next, let me give you a detailed review of my stay in the LinaBell-themed room at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and share some tips for your Hong Kong Disney adventure.
Entering the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Becoming a princess in a castle is not difficult
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island (Fun fact: Hong Kong Island is the second largest island in Hong Kong, with Lantau Island being the largest).
From bustling Tsim Sha Tsui to Hong Kong Disneyland, you can reach it directly by subway. I heard that in order to accommodate the Disney line, the subway company completely refurbished the train: all windows were replaced with glass ones, and even the fronts of the trains were redesigned to have cute “mouse heads.”
The moment you board the Disney line, with its unique Mickey window elements, blue sofa seats, and starry sky elements, you already feel like you’ve received a meticulously crafted gift from Disney before even stepping foot in the park. This magical journey officially begins here.
After getting off the subway, you’ll immediately see the welcome arch of Disneyland. The hotel offers 24-hour shuttle services, whether you want to go to Disneyland or the subway station. The buses come roughly every 10 minutes, which is quite considerate.
The hotel opened in 2005 along with Hong Kong Disneyland. Despite its veteran status, it has lost none of its charm over the years and remains top-tier among hotel resorts.
As the shuttle bus takes you deeper into the resort area, the swaying coconut trees come into view, with mountains and water in the distance. All the noise and distractions of city life are instantly left behind.
From the outside, the hotel looks like a magnificent palace nestled on an endless coastline. Once inside, its opulent interior captivates you, and you feel as if your princess dream has already been realized.
The hotel exudes a rich Victorian-era nostalgia; walking through it feels like stepping into a 19th-century American castle, with white walls paired with vintage lamp posts, and sunlight streaming in like a dream.
This package includes two types of rooms: a standard room and a sea view room, with the latter costing 300 HKD more. The sea view room offers a better view, with the ocean right outside your window. Spending an extra 300 HKD for an upgrade is well worth it.
Walking through the exotic hallways and lightly tapping the room card against the door reader, you hear a beep, and as you slowly open the door, a burst of cute pinkness floods in. I bet no one can resist the adorable pink world of the LinaBell-themed room.
The themed room includes slippers, two pillowcases, a carpet, a blanket, a LinaBell plush toy, and a popcorn bucket—all of which you can take home. I even searched for the same items online; this set alone is worth over 1500 HKD.
The pillowcases in the room are designed for two people. I particularly loved the blanket; it’s so soft to the touch. Many people have paid a premium for this blanket through personal shoppers, but staying in the LinaBell room lets you take it home effortlessly. That’s quite a sweet deal.
They also offer slippers that are both high in aesthetics and comfort, as well as a super cute carpet that I can’t bear to step on. (Seeking fan opinions: How else can I use the carpet? 🙋)
I saw on Xiaohongshu that some friends took all the items back home and recreated a LinaBell room in their own bedroom. With the pink pillowcases, fluffy blanket, and LinaBell in their arms, they sleep soundly with sweet dreams.
The room is decorated with Disney-themed colors and has a touch of European style.
All the supplies in the room are also designed for family stays, including two 1.5L bottles of mineral water. The slippers and bathrobes come in both adult and child sizes.
You can discover Disney elements in every little detail, whether it’s the toothbrush, toiletries, or cups.
Even the room keys have Disney designs. Speaking of which, the room key is quite a keepsake. (When you check out, the front desk will give you a commemorative room key.)
The hotel’s outlets include only USB and UK standard sockets. You can ask the front desk for an adapter. Also, make sure to check the bedside drawer for three ten-dollar vouchers for the hotel souvenir shop (we missed out on these because we didn’t notice them).
Every morning, a live band performs in the hotel, giving you the perfect opportunity to leisurely enjoy a cup of afternoon tea in the lobby. It’s a true moment of indulgence in life’s little pleasures.
The hotel also offers plenty of recreational facilities.
You can sip a cocktail by the pool, or take your little ones exploring the Mickey Maze;
A leisurely walk by the seaside is equally enjoyable. Besides visiting Disneyland, you can easily spend an entire day soaking in the hotel’s offerings.
One of the reasons why the Disneyland Hotel is a favorite among children is the abundance of activities.
On the first floor, there’s a magical dressing room just for kids, where they can transform into adorable little princes and princesses in dazzling costumes.
If your child is between the ages of 2-12, you can take them to the whimsical Fantasyland, where there are various Disney-themed activities and games, along with screenings of classic Disney animations.
When the weather is nice, you can also take a dip in the outdoor pool, enjoying the stunning seaside view and the excitement of the 40-meter water slide and the massage jet pool. Even the adults will be captivated by this paradise.
(The picture shows the indoor pool. The outdoor pool was temporarily closed for maintenance on that day.)
Moreover, dining well is an important part of staying at the Disneyland Hotel.
The hotel has three restaurants: Crystal Lotus, Enchanted Garden, and Walt’s Cafe. You can use Alipay to pay at all of them.
Breakfast at Disneyland is served in Enchanted Garden between 7:30 and 11:00 AM, priced at 318 HKD per person. All hotel guests need to pay separately for breakfast. Although it’s pricey, the variety and quality of food are quite good. You’ll want to fill up before heading out for a day of fun.
The award-winning Crystal Lotus specializes in fusion cuisine, combining Sichuan, Beijing, Shanghai, and Cantonese flavors to cater to every Chinese palate.
Walt’s Cafe, on the other hand, exudes a strong Victorian vibe, offering dishes from around the world. The restaurant’s name itself is a tribute to Walt Disney.
If you feel like having a midnight snack after a long day, you can opt for the hotel’s room service, which starts offering late-night snacks after 11:00 PM.
Additionally, when you stay at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can experience and enjoy the amenities and restaurants of all three hotels. There is a shuttle bus available, and the hotel front desk offers 24-hour foreign currency exchange services.
The newly unveiled Sleeping Beauty Castle and the nighttime fireworks are truly mesmerizing.
Hong Kong Disneyland: A Must-Visit
After starting work, life rarely offers adults the chance to live out a fairytale. I had gradually come to see fairytales as fragile bubbles, bound to burst on their own. However, upon stepping into the gates of Hong Kong Disneyland, it felt as though time had turned back, transporting me to a wonderful world filled with pure innocence.
“Here you leave today and enter a world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.”
Disneyland truly has a captivating power. Whether it’s the Mickey ears headbands, the choral music filling the air, or the distant sight of the castle, none of it can be resisted.
Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005 and is the fifth Disneyland in the world, the second in Asia, and the first in China. It offers countless attractions that make it well worth a dedicated trip.
The newly refurbished Sleeping Beauty Castle and the arrival of LinaBelle last September (currently only available at Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland) are reasons enough for any Disney fan to visit without hesitation.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s daily operating hours are from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM. The park is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesdays do not feature fireworks shows, making it less crowded and suitable for those aiming to enjoy the rides. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are special days.
For those planning to buy two-day tickets, you don’t need to visit on consecutive days. You can revisit within a week of your first entry. The park closures on Tuesdays and Thursdays won’t affect your ticket usage, which is especially convenient for those residing in Hong Kong or Shenzhen. Hotel guests are recommended to visit during the weekends for higher efficiency.
Before entering the park, make sure to download the official Disneyland app—Hong Kong Disneyland. The app provides locations of all facilities, restrooms, and restaurants within the park. It also shows current queue times for attractions and the complete schedule of shows.
Disneyland no longer offers FastPass (the previously available fast pass tickets). Instead, you can purchase the Disney Premier Access from the official website or through the app. Upon entering the park, you can also obtain a Disney Standby Pass, which allows you to queue for a ride at a specified time for free.
I was quite fortunate during my visit to Disneyland as the park was relatively uncrowded. Most attractions had a waiting time of around 15 minutes, allowing me to enjoy my favorite rides multiple times. Additionally, staying at the Disneyland Hotel granted me an early entry by an hour. Even without the Premier Access, I could experience numerous attractions (take note).
This year marks the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, and Hong Kong Disneyland stores will offer a series of “Wonder 100” themed merchandise, truly capturing the joyful atmosphere.
Starting in April, Hong Kong Disneyland will feature a new 30-minute show, “StellaLou’s Wonderful Dreams,” created in collaboration with the Hong Kong Ballet. The popular character StellaLou will be the star.
Moreover, an exciting new Frozen-themed area inspired by the hit movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios—called World of Frozen—is set to open in the latter half of this year. While I was there, the park was undergoing construction, and I can’t wait for the new area’s grand opening.
Hong Kong Disneyland features seven themed lands, guaranteed to keep you entertained all day: Main Street, U.S.A.; Tomorrowland; Fantasyland; Toy Story Land; Mystic Point; Grizzly Gulch; and Adventureland.
Every Disneyland entrance leads you through Main Street, U.S.A., lined with a variety of Disney stores where you can pick up Mickey ears and other accessories.
Inside the Main Street Hotel is the Maddie’s Store, a must-visit for LinaBelle fans. The store is adorned with adorable LinaBelle decorations and, unlike Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland doesn’t require a lottery to purchase LinaBelle merchandise. The stock is plentiful and new items have just been released recently.
The small town cinema is a must-visit, as its shops are filled with various styles of Duffy and Friends costumes and accessories.
By the way, if you’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel, there are also shops within the hotel, so there’s no need to buy the same products in the park.
After passing through the American Town, at the end of the road, you’ll find Disney’s prime photo spot — the magnificent Dream Castle, which is truly the soul of the entire park.
The castle has been renovated, not only making it more picturesque for photos but also allowing visitors to explore all its passageways. You might even get the chance to meet and take photos with the princesses at the Royal Guest Hall inside the castle.
The closest area to the American Town is Tomorrowland, which also happens to be the world’s first Disney park with Marvel-themed attractions. Iron Man is exclusive to Hong Kong, and kids can even interact and take photos with him.
The most thrilling ride in Tomorrowland must be the Hyperspace Mountain, where you can experience various Star Wars scenes on a roller coaster. It feels like an immersive journey, with the heart-pounding sensation similar to an intracranial earthquake.
Fantasyland is right next to Tomorrowland. That day, we seemed to be blessed with luck as there was no queue for Hyperspace Mountain, and we arrived just in time for the musical “Mickey and the Wondrous Book” in Fantasyland.
This attraction is similar to Mickey and the Wondrous Book in Shanghai Disney Resort, where the Disney Theater transforms into a modern-looking library. Many Disney friends and dancers bring Disney stories to life in a vivid performance.
The show is in Cantonese, so if you’ve seen the performance at Shanghai Disney Resort, it might be interesting to watch the Cantonese version as well.
Magically, Mickey even jumps out of the enchanted book, which is very refreshing, and kids will absolutely love it.
Additionally, in Fantasyland, there are Cinderella’s Carousel, It’s a Small World (currently temporarily closed), Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and the Mad Hatter Tea Cups. Families with kids can enjoy all these attractions one by one, ensuring both you and your children have a great time.
Toy Story Land was the first expansion project in 2011, although not large in area, the entertainment options are quite concentrated, making it look a lot like Shanghai Disney Resort.
The Toy Soldier Parachute Drop is worth trying. I waited for half an hour, but it’s an exclusive attraction not found in Shanghai Disney Resort, so I recommend giving it a go.
Hong Kong Disneyland is quite small; the roads are few and easy to navigate. Following the paths, you’ll reach Mystic Point, a unique park area globally, available only in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Entering Mystic Point, you’ll first learn about the mansion’s owner, a renowned adventurer who has collected rare treasures from around the world for visitors to admire.
However, when you board the car designed by him for the tour, a series of thrilling events unfold, but I won’t spoil the surprise. Revealing too much would ruin the fun.
If you ask me which attraction I like the most in the park, Grizzly Gulch takes the top spot. It’s a must-visit for most adults, with its Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. I could ride it three times continuously, and if not for the fear of delaying the rest of my schedule, I could have gone on even more.
The mine cars move in both directions, suddenly shooting forward and making sharp turns, and they unexpectedly drop when reaching the highest point of Grizzly Mountain, catching you off-guard.
The entire ride takes you through Grizzly Gulch, filled with thrills and excitement. However, there is a height restriction for safety reasons; only those taller than 112 cm can ride.
Additionally, there’s Adventureland, the most pristine area of Hong Kong Disneyland, where you can board a boat and embark on a mysterious river journey through the primitive African jungle to see various wild animals.
The Wild Theater is currently showcasing the classic “The Lion King.” The best viewing times are at 16:30 and 18:00. Additionally, there is a brand-new show, “Moana: A Celebration of Wayfinding.”
Unfortunately, several attractions are under maintenance during this visit. You can check the Disney app to see which attractions are temporarily closed; a star icon represents the attractions, and you can click to check their status.
Besides the must-see attractions, there are three performances you shouldn’t miss in a day at Disney.
The “Disney in the Stars” show in the Fantasyland allows you to meet Mickey Mouse and a host of Disney friends. This performance features lots of bubbles and stage fireworks effects, making it quite spectacular.
On Main Street, U.S.A., the “Mickey and Friends Celebration” is also not to be missed. Mickey and his friends make a grand entrance on the “Main Street Express,” allowing you to meet your dream idols.
Finally, there is the grand fireworks display before closing. This is the most anticipated event for anyone visiting Disney, with the fireworks show starting promptly at 20:00 or 20:30 (weather permitting). It’s recommended to secure a good spot 30 minutes early.
Previously, due to well-known reasons, Hong Kong Disneyland had suspended close contact with Disney characters, such as hugs and photo ops. However, the good news is that all interactions have resumed. You can check the app for specific times of entertainment performances.
You can hug your favorite characters and also ask for their autographs — don’t forget to bring a pen and paper!
Many people have asked me about dining options in Disney, so I’ll share a few tips.
The official website offers a three-in-one meal voucher for the park, priced at HKD 240. The voucher can be used for lunch and dinner at various restaurants inside the park, including Rocket Restaurant, Comet Café, Clopin’s Festival of Foods, Explorer’s Club, and Royal Banquet Hall.
Additionally, the Explorer’s Club offers a semi-buffet option, including salad, main course, and dessert, which is quite a good deal.
Since the timing of rides and performances can overlap, planning your route is critical. You can choose the parts you most want to see. Here are two exclusive routes: one suitable for families with children and the other for couples or friends.
Family Route:
Adventureland (Lion King Celebration) → Grizzly Gulch → Mystic Point → Toy Story Land → Fantasyland → “it’s a small world” → Castle of Magical Dreams, with fireworks starting at 20:00 (lasting around 20 minutes, arrive early to secure a spot).
Friends/Couples Route:
Castle photos → Tomorrowland → Fantasyland (dine here after playing) → Toy Story Land → Mystic Point → Grizzly Gulch → Adventureland → Main Street, U.S.A. (for souvenirs) → Castle of Magical Dreams for fireworks at 20:00.
Disneyland Tips:
🌟 Try to enter the park early, as there are bag checks and no food or selfie sticks are allowed.
🌟 All food in the park can be paid for via WeChat Pay or Alipay.
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I have also secured some Duffy and Friends-themed hotel rooms for everyone, which include hotel stays and park tickets.
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel for 2 nights + Duffy and Friends-themed room setup + 2-day park tickets for two people, starting at 5,688 yuan.
The offer is valid until September 28, 2023 (excluding the following dates: April 6-9, weekends in July, August 1-26, and September 22-23). Reservations must be made eight days in advance.
1 Purchase Taobao Command: 87￥ CZ0001 71XJdi8j0Fh￥ https://m.tb.cn/h.UpCWnZf/
This is the same bundle offered during last year’s Double 11 Sale on Fliggy. As you may know, prices in Hong Kong have skyrocketed, so getting Double 11 pricing again is quite a big deal.
As per the usual practice, sales start at 9 AM, the product is refundable if not booked, can be refunded if expired, and supports Huabei for stockpiling. I recommend purchasing according to your needs, as stock is extremely limited.
Normally, a calendar night at the Disneyland Hotel would cost close to 2,500 yuan per night. This package offers considerable savings.
The package includes 2 nights in a Duffy and Friends-themed room, with all the blankets, pillowcases, and plush toys included, plus two 2-day park tickets.
The validity period for the package covers the May Day holiday, Dragon Boat Festival, and summer vacation, extending until September 28. This summer is an excellent time for a family trip, as it’s been three years without travel, and it’s high time to take the kids out to see the world.
Having shared all this, I’ve been reminded of the renewed castle at Disneyland. It represents “courage, hope, and infinite possibilities,” meant to inspire everyone to bravely chase their dreams.
I also want to borrow this sentiment to wish that each of us, regardless of age, can believe in fairy tales and magic. Even though the unknown world is full of thorns, we can still find our inner child at Disney.
Enjoy your time!
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